Rio cancels cycling test because velodrome is not ready

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Rio Olympics organizers have canceled the only test event for the indoor cycling at this year's Games because the velodrome will not be ready in time, a spokesman said on Thursday.

The event was due to take place on April 30 and May 1 but the velodrome will not be completed until at least May 31.

"The track cycling test event has been canceled and will be replaced by a training opportunity June 25th through the 27th,” Mario Andrada told reporters.

"We are 120 per cent confident it will be ready for the Olympics."

Andrada blamed the delays on logistical problems caused by raw materials imported from Siberia. The wood was late in arriving and Rio de Janeiro's high humidity meant the sensitive surface could not be laid as quickly as expected.

South America's first Olympic Games begin on Aug. 5 and run until Aug 21.